Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran John Nolan likes to say his dog is more than man’s best friend. The English Labrador retriever is a life saver to him. Nolan’s dog, Honza, was by his side for a deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, attached to an Army Specia
(read more)

When Lt. Cmdr. Susan Allen got stationed at the Naval Reserve Center in Avoca in 2005, she was encouraged to immerse herself in the local community. Following retirement, she decided to keep her family here. And she’s still serving the community. The form
(read more)

NANTICOKE — While returning soldiers from other wars were treated like heroes, Army veteran Don Williams said this was not the case when he and others returned home from the Vietnam War. Williams, 71, a Nanticoke resident, served in the Vietnam War from 1
(read more)

Dr. Agapito Lopez, one of the leading advocates for Hazleton’s growing Hispanic population, has been a fighter all his adult life. Born and raised in the United States territory of Puerto Rico, Lopez got commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Arm
(read more)

Taking his dog for multiple walks each day has helped Rich Pries realize the plight of homeless veterans. During walks near wooded areas along the Susquehanna River, he’d often stumble upon homeless camps. He’d bring them food and clothes, or just stop an
(read more)

U.S. Army veteran Cory Linker is still delivering for the country. She’s a United States mail carrier, serving South Wilkes-Barre. Prior to working for the federal government, Linker served in Operation Desert Storm, the effort to liberate Kuwait and prot
(read more)

FAIRVIEW TWP. — Walter Godshall’s kids got him into Scouting, but what kept him involved after nearly four decades is helping to instill a sense of morality, community service and physical fitness in today’s youth. “I think the Scout program, to me, is th
(read more)

HUNTINGTON TWP. — Since the 1960s, Ed Dauch has known the feeling of the open road. Dauch has ridden the highway all the way down to Key West. He’s seen the massive trees at Redwood National Park. The country is beautiful, he said. After riding thousands
(read more)

KINGSTON — Robert Ball was 18, one year removed from life on a farm in upstate New York, when shrapnel from a grenade tore through his right eye during a battle in Korea in September 1950. Doctors in Tokyo removed the shattered eye and surgeons in San Fra
(read more)

WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Marine recruiters told George Handzo he was too short to join the Corps. They told him that the first time he showed up at the recruiting office seeking to enlist. Also the second time. The third time Handzo appeared at the office, a s
(read more)

Back in her Navy days, Lisa Morgan helped sailors get fit to pass physical fitness tests. For the past 17 years as a civilian, the Pittston woman has been a personal trainer, running a local business called CHISEL. “I love helping people increase their se
(read more)

At just 19 years old, Brian Tyler decided to join the U.S. Army. “I didn’t really have any general purpose,” he said. “I didn’t have any drive in my life. I wasn’t doing so well with work and school. I needed a direction.” A year before this life-changing
(read more)

DUPONT — Members of the Greater Pittston AMVETS Post 189 honor guard work to give local veterans what they’ve earned. Throughout the year, the 18-member group performs upwards of 130 military funeral services to give former service members an honorable se
(read more)